An unexpected reason for isolated foot drop: Acute stroke

Abstract

The differential diagnosis of acute weakness (AW) in emergency departments (ED) is broad and includes both neurological and medical reasons. We describe an 81-year-old female patient with cortical infarct presenting with sudden onset isolated foot drop, which to the best of our knowledge, was the third case in English literature. An 81-year-old female was admitted to our ED with a 12-hour history of left-sided foot drop. Her motor strength was normal throughout the upper and lower extremities, except for weakness in the left ankle and toe dorsiflexors. Other examination findings were unremarkable. Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI-MR) revealed a focal high intensity signal in the right precentral gyrus at high convexity with a cerebral infarct. Detailed physical examinations and histories are extremely important for exact diagnosis and differentials of patients with AW. This case reminds us that a small infarct area of central nervous system may mimic peripheral nerve lesions, especially in elderly patients. Although the presentation of such complaints may play a distracting role to emergency physicians, strokes must always be taught regarding elderly patients and, if necessary, infarct areas should be confirmed with DWI-MR.